How can we fix the exterior of our home?
I love the look of a white symmetrical victorian farmhouse. How can I renovate this exterior to add charm and curb appeal? I don't have a problem with painting the brick, and removing the old metal siding. Also, the current porch is much too small to be used. I would like to extend its depth and length, perhaps wrapping around the right side of the house. We can also move the rail fence away from the house if needed. The oak tree is nice in the summer, but looks ugly in the winter and spring because it holds onto its dead leaves. I wouldn't be adverse to cutting it down; we have plenty of trees and this one doesn't shade the house since its on the north side. I also realize that the overgrown shrubs need to be removed. Any thoughts on how to fix the asymmetrical look would be appreciated!
Comments (6)
phuninthesun
6 years agoTo start with, I would probably remove all of the shrubs so that you can see the house. It looks beautiful under there!
lorilbennett thanked phuninthesunRelated Discussions
Reno - what are the steps?
Comments (6)First thing you need to understand is the scope of the project and what your abilities and experience will cover. Do you have any experience managing a construction project? Have you ever scheduled a construction project? Have you drawn up a trades (i.e. framing, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, etc., etc..) contract? Have you ever dealt with the permitting office in pulling permits? Have you ever inspected any construction for quality and compliance to the design documents? Have you ever dealt with inspections or construction deficiencies and had to resolve them with the sub-contractors? If you can't answer yes to all these questions, then you're venturing into a field you know little or nothing about. Any mistakes or stumbles you make in your learning curve are most likely going to be costly in both time and your budget. There are some projects that are DIY level.......there are some that would best be left to those of us already having the background and experience. Let me give you an example. I have an oak tree beside the house I'm renovating. It sits about 12' from the end of the house and has at least a 30' radius drip line which means it extends out over the roof of the house. Having spent a number of years of my young life on a ranch and farm, I know how to drop trees. I know how to operate a chain saw safely without loosing a limb or making a quick trip to the ER. From years in the construction / design field, I know how to operate a high lift ......... but even I know that the task of removing this tree is beyond my level in spite of my willingness and wish to save the $3500 I've been quoted. There are some things best left to the pros. Besides, If I drop a 14" diameter limb on the roof, I would never hear the end of it from my wife. Based solely on the questions you asked, I would highly recommend that you hire an Architect to help you with the design and your budget. Then I would find a well recommended GC to do the job......I'm betting you'll make the most of your limited budget going this route....See MoreHow to build a remodel a house of 2,100 sq ft.
Comments (5)Good point @dytecture! We always start our remodel projects with a set of "as-built" plans produced by a structural engineer in close proximity to the project address. This is important because the engineer will be looking at the existing "structural" issues that may limit or at least direct the team toward the most cost effective solutions. Also, once the design is finalized we use the same engineer to produce the "structural" drawings necessary for building permits and construction....See MoreHow does this work? Making wall collages look good.
Comments (20)work out the wall space you want to cover, measure this on the floor. then start laying out our design within the space on the floor to create your design. There has to be lines running through the collage so there is a method to the madness- we don't want a messy looking arrangement, there must be a flow. You can line up the matts with outside edge of other frames etc. Layout all of your pics on the floor and mix up the frame styles and sizes amongst your layout. Take photos of your layout and then start hanging. My tip is don't start hanging until you have your plan 100% !!! lots of neck stretches too! i recently put together this collage and need a neck massage afterwards ;-)...See MoreHow do I view and participate in discussions?
Comments (0)The 'Advice' part of Houzz provides a place in which homeowners and professionals can ask questions, discuss ideas, welcome feedback/input, and show off before and afters! You'll find Advice through the tab in the top right corner of Houzz on your desktop computer, or in the 'Latest' section of our mobile apps. Within Advice lives a few different sections: Design Dilemma - a place where you can post a question or dilemma Before & After - where you can show off a transformation! Polls - somewhere to ask a question that involves a choice, or multiple possible answers Using Houzz - questions relating to using the platform, guides, and FAQs Other - anything unrelated to homes, renovation or gardening Pro-to-Pro - only accessible to professionals, where you may discuss business, trends, and trade updates To post your own discussion, click on 'Advice', and you will land on a screen that looks like this: Add a title: Something that isn't too long, but concisely describes what your post is about Describe your dilemma, issue or project: Providing as much detail as you can will ensure other users are well placed to provide accurate answers Add a photo: In addition to your description, providing visuals of the space or project will prompt people to be more responsive - everyone loves to look into other people's work-in-progress! You can either upload one of your own images, or add a photo from Houzz/your ideabook Pick the right category: Ensuring your discussion is sitting in the right category allows it to be found easier, meaning you're more likely to get responses. Try it out, and share your post below so we can see!...See More
biondanonima (Zone 7a Hudson Valley)
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agolorilbennett thanked biondanonima (Zone 7a Hudson Valley)
PROHardie Boys, Inc.
6 years agoYou can improve your landscaping without completely losing the foliage/ plant-life around your home. With pergolas and trellises, you can style your home with plants and increase curb appeal.
lorilbennett thanked Hardie Boys, Inc.
My House
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agoThe TV show Fixer Upper did a house that looked similar to yours. The episode referred to the house as the "Prickly Pear" house. Link: https://magnolia.com/our-show/episode-11-the-prickly-pear-house/
They removed the bushes and trees blocking the house (& the prickly pear cactus near the street) and created dormers & a pergola in front -where your red trees are touching the roof)-Also- they installed 2sets of French doors to the front of the house and removed wall in the kitchen.
Exterior makeover · More Info
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